DISABLED TRANSPORT WORKER’S CHARTER LAUNCHED

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: may 2023 :: RMTnews 15 One of the major achieve- ments of the disabled members’ committee over the past year was to get the union disabled transport workers’ charter published. Not only has it been printed in booklet form and put on the website, but turned into a film with subtitles and British Sign Language which was shown for the first time at the conference and the contents of the charter is carried overleaf. The seventh national conference of the union’s disabled members took place last month in the Grand Hall of the Discovery Museum, Newcastle upon Tyne. With the number of delegates getting back to pre-covid in person conferences, it was a highly enjoyable conference with presentations and debates. Sessions included RMT senior assistant general secretary Eddie Dempsey talking about the current industrial issues facing the industry and sharing his own personal family experiences with hidden disabilities such as ADHD. NEC member David King reported on the actions carried out following the resolutions passed at last year and RMT policy officer Sophie Ward dealt with the campaign against ticket office closures showing the level of challenges known only too well by delegates. UNISON shop steward Ed Whitby also talked about his role in children’s social services and the impact of government funding cut-backs. Four motions were passed which included the topics of cancer-related discrimination in the workplace and dementia training. There was also a successful motion against lone working for cleaners. It was also agreed to send the maximum number of delegates to the TUC Disabled Workers Conference. Perhaps the most important session of all was when the delegates discussed what activities they would like to see the union progress over the coming year in terms of campaigning and organising for disabled members. It was an emotional conference with chair Davie O’Donnell stepping down from the role. He gave heartfelt thanks for the support he had received from the delegates and everyone left feeling enthused and looking forward to meeting in Liverpool next year.   RMT DISABLED TRANSPORT WORKERS’ CHARTER www.rmt.org.uk DISABLED TRANSPORT WORKER’S CHARTER LAUNCHED RMT disabled members conference celebrates the launch of the union’s disabled transport worker’s charter